Transnational Responses to a Global Pandemic How im/migrants living in Newfoundland and Labrador have responded to COVID-19

Abstract

This article captures key findings from a larger research project looking at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the remittance sending and receiving behaviours of im/migrants living in Newfoundland and Labrador. For this study, I interviewed 30 im/migrants from lower and middle-income countries about their pandemic experience. Through these discussions, interview participants revealed a self and home identity that spans across national borders; however, they noted that this was significantly curtailed in the face of the global fragmentation triggered by COVID-19. In response to the pandemic, im/migrants living in the province increased their sending of financial remittances and also consistently shared COVID-related guidance with friends and family living abroad (social remittances) in an effort to relieve suffering outside of the province and ultimately curb the spread of the virus.